The Grafton in Prince of Wales Road is cited on the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) website as temporarily closed since June 28 amid reports that the tables remained chained up and a hand-written sign on the door had announced its closure.
Stonegate Pub group has recently advertised for new landlords to take on the tenancy, citing it as “an exciting opportunity to manage a high-profile pub in a sought-after area of London.”
According to CAMRA, the Grafton is expected to reopen “on or before” September 1 amid further reports of a refurbishment.
The Grafton won the British pub of the year award in 2015 when it was run by Joel Czopor and Susie Clarke. They took it on in 2012 and transformed the Victorian pub into a popular destination, even expanding to a second pub The Gipsy Queen before moving on in 2017.
The Prince of Wales Road pub, where actor Damian Lewis has been spotted popping in for a pint, dates back to 1866 and has an upstairs function room, first floor terrace and original Victorian features including an open plan bar.
Before it closed, the independent family and dog friendly local was running a busy programme of quiz, karaoke and music nights, along with open mic comedy and a folk club and serving popular Sunday roasts.
